Kaboul pays Hart tribute

Younes Kaboul has thanked Portsmouth boss Paul Hart for getting his career back on track.

Last Updated: 15/11/09 6:00pm

Younes Kaboul has thanked Portsmouth boss Paul Hart for getting his career back on track following a miserable spell at Tottenham.

The talented Frenchman has found some real form of late to become a Fratton Park favourite during an ever-present campaign.

Kaboul has had to be patient to establish himself on the South Coast following his switch from Spurs, but is now repaying the faith Hart has shown in him.

"I have to thank the manager. Every day I try to give my best," he told The News.

"It was not easy here when I came because there were good players.

"But it was correct and pure. You knew if you worked hard you played, if you don't work hard you will not play.

Hard work

"I was down when I was at Spurs but it's fair here. Now I'm happy. I've played all games since the start of the season.

"I know when to talk and say something and when to listen. Now I'm starting to understand my position more as a defender.

"To be a defender is hard. You have to do it all game and concentrate all game.

"But I know this team and know what I have to do."

Kaboul first moved to England in 2007 when then Spurs boss Martin Jol paid Auxerre £8million for his services. After a bright start to life in England his North London switch soon soured when Junade Ramos took the reins at White Hart Lane.

"At Spurs I was disappointed," he added.

"Juande Ramos treated all young players like he didn't care.

No respect

"He would train all the players and not even know the young players' names. This totally shows a lack of respect.

"We are not footballers first, we are human. A man has to respect a man. So when he came without respect I couldn't accept that.

"I would go home when there were games. That's why I came here.

"Now, I'm ready to fight for this team in every game. In the position we are in we are all like leaders."